Steve
The Long Road to the Bell
On December 5, I'm taking on the 12-hour Ruck at the Sawmill Gauntlet in Laurens, South Carolina. The challenge is to keep moving on a trail for 12 hours while carrying a 25-pound ruck. If I complete the full 12 hours, I could cover up to 30 miles and climb nearly 5,000 feet in elevation.
But this challenge represents something much bigger than one event.
In 2021, a blood clot in my aorta led to the discovery of a rare blood disorder. I was overweight, out of shape and facing some difficult realities about my health. I knew I needed to make a change, but I couldn't know what the future would hold. So I chose not to wait.
In February 2022, I began training with OPEX Midlands and Coach Scott Brewer. What started as a few workouts a week grew into years of consistent training, Spartan and DEKA events, trail runs and rucks. Scott has been an important part of that journey, and we're taking on this challenge together. I've learned that progress comes from showing up, adapting when things get difficult, and continuing to build over time.
I live with myelofibrosis, a rare blood cancer, and receive care from an MPN specialist at MUSC. Having access to a team that understands these complex diseases is important. A bone marrow transplant is one possibility I may face in the future. I can't control everything that lies ahead, but I can work to be as strong and prepared as possible. This ruck is another step in that journey.
I'm not sure how far I'll get, but I'll prepare, give it my best effort and keep moving toward that bell.
Help Advance MPN Research
I'm raising money for the MPN Research Foundation because I want people living with myelofibrosis and other myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs) to have better treatment options, better outcomes and, ultimately, cures. MPNs are rare blood cancers that many people have never heard of. They aren't always visible from the outside, but they can have a profound impact on the lives of those diagnosed and the people who care about them. Research is essential to understanding these diseases and developing better treatments. It also helps advance the knowledge and treatment options available to specialists caring for people with MPNs. I'm grateful for the specialized care I receive at MUSC, including the broader cancer care and research efforts of Hollings Cancer Center. I want to help move MPN research forward—not just for myself, but for everyone living with an MPN today and those who will be diagnosed in the future. Will you join me in supporting this cause? Please donate whatever amount you're comfortable giving. Every contribution helps support the MPN Research Foundation's work toward better treatments and cures. If you're unable to donate, sharing this page can help raise awareness of these rare blood cancers and the need for continued research. I started my fitness journey because I didn't want to wait for the future to decide my health for me. Today, I'm putting that commitment toward something bigger. Help me build strength for the unknown and support a better future for everyone affected by MPNs. Thank you for being part of it.
$2,364.80
achieved
$5,000.00
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- Sonja Matched 🎉 $200.00 from our Board of Directors Go Steve ❤️Mom 2 weeks ago $408.00
- Jana Matched 🎉 $105.00 from our Board of Directors We're praying for you 2 weeks ago $214.20
- Aleksandr Matched 🎉 $105.00 from our Board of Directors 2 weeks ago $214.20
- Michael Matched 🎉 $100.00 from our Board of Directors 2 weeks ago $204.00